Melissa Jenny shows off her dance moves Friday evening during the "Night to Shine" event held inside of 1C the Sanctuary. About 150 area residents with special needs were able to spend a prom-themed night enjoying themselves. A "Night to Shine" is hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

"Night to Shine" proves special for all parties involved

Melissa Jenny shows off her dance moves Friday evening during the "Night to Shine" event held inside of 1C the Sanctuary. About 150 area residents with special needs were able to spend a prom-themed night enjoying themselves. A "Night to Shine" is hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

SAM PIMPER PHOTOS, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM

Jasmyne Douglas, left, participates in a ring toss event during "Night to Shine" held Friday evening at 1C the Sanctuary. Joining her is chaperone Carly Whitney.

Lauren Jakub smiles for the camera while out on the dance floor Friday evening during "Night to Shine" held inside of 1C the Sanctuary.

Zoe Kuhnel, right, has some fun with chaperone Stacy Stewart Friday evening during the "Night to Shine" event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

About 150 people with special needs from around the community came out and received the full prom experience during “Night to Shine,” made possible through the Tim Tebow Foundation. There was a red carpet, limo rides and a crowned king and queen.

Shortly before 7 p.m., attendees continued funneling into the sanctuary area which served as one big dance floor. Nearly 400 volunteers were in attendance ensuring each prom attendee had a buddy to spend their night with.

The event took about nine months of planning to come full circle, said Columbus resident Amber Stary, who more than a year ago sent a letter to the Tim Tebow Foundation asking for the opportunity to bring “Night to Shine” to the community.

In 2018, more than 537 churches nationwide and in 16 countries participated in the movement, as previously reported by The Telegram.

Stary, who didn’t expect to hear back from the foundation, said she’s thrilled that so many deserving people could benefit from such a fun night out.

“This has kind of been my passion, to do something big for them, because they don’t always get this type of thing for them,” Stary said of “Night to Shine” participants. “That’s what this day is for, completely for them.”

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